Brock-Burrum storm home to take out A grade netball premiership

UNDEFEATED: Brock-Burrum's A grade netballers celebrate after a tough grand final win over Billabong Crows. Picture: JAMES WILTSHIRE

BROCK-Burrum co-coach Lauren Kerrins has described her team’s thrilling 34-27 A grade win over Billabong Crows as “pure relief”.

On a golden day for the Saints who also won the B and C grade and under-14 premierships, Kerrins said she was proud of the way her players responded after being seriously challenged.

“I’m so relieved,” Kerrins said.

“Last year we went for broke and it didn’t really matter because CDHBU were the top side, but this year the pressure was right on us after being undefeated.

“The Crows really pushed us.

“They changed their team up, were coached well and put us right under the pump.

“I’m so proud of how our girls played in the second-half.”

It has been an emotional week for Brock-Burrum who lost supporter Mary Kilroy, the mother of player Shinead, during the week.

“Shinead came on at wing attack in the second quarter and did an amazing job,” Kerrins said.

“She has had a tough week, we all have.

“We talked about doing it for Mary before the game and the girls did.”

After trailing early in the match, Brock-Burrum started to make a run late in the second term but only pulled clear against the determined Crows in the final quarter.

The Crows had beaten Howlong, CDHBU and Rand-Walbundrie-Walla during the finals on the back of high-pressure performances and defender Holly Milner ensured the minor premier had to fight every inch of the way.

“They had our measure in the first half and we were making too many mistakes,” Kerrins said.

“But I thought our experience showed after half-time with the girls being really level-headed.”

Kerrins singled out centre Emily Hillary for special praise.

“I thought she was outstanding against really good opposition,” she said.

“She had a lot of intercepts.

“Everyone did a good job, but Emily was best on for me.”

Jess Noordeweir was another to shine, taking out the most valuable player award.

Brock-Burrum’s A, B and C grades and under-14s were undefeated while the C reserve lost the grand final to Murray Magpies.